Journalism, Just starting out, Any advice?

Hey Guys, I am new here, I thought this would be a good forum to join as there are many professionals on here from the communication s field.

I am currently studying journalism at university, and at the moment am reporting for a local radio station, writing music reviews and features for two other publications. You could say i am just “starting out”.

What I wondering is, since many of you guys on here are experienced journos, is there words of advice or tips newbies like me should know?

Joe——There is a ton of information here through out what could possibly several thousand posts——it’s unlikely you will get any real answers because it’s a pretty wide question. I’d suggest you go through the posts one by one and see what there is. I’d caution you to just start from today as the search function does not work so well or at the very least it won’t be complete—-the last one I can remember that had any weight to it:

http://www.lightstalkers.org/posts/starting-as-a-photojournalist

You could start there——in the aftermath of reading all the posts, fine tune your questions and you are much more likely to get an answer.

I have 25+ years in photojournalism, during which I achieved a modicum of success. The current (and future) market dictates that you 1) have a rich uncle to support you OR 2) have a day job or 3)see a psychiatrist
If you decide to proceed with your dream/fantasy, please contact me regarding the bridge in Brooklyn that I could sell you

I am aware of the current job prospects, plus I don’t even want to be a photojournalist. I am sorry if my post somehow annoyed you…it may have sounded a bit too daydreamy.

I know I probably won’t be a journalist, let alone get a cadetship. But a bit of work exp never hurt anyone :P. Besides it’s community radio, the government are cutting their funding, they need all the free labour they can get!

But thanks for the advice, I already know my career prospects are doomed. I don’t mind it as a unpaid hobby on the side.

You’re mad. Nevertheless, watch “Vice” among other such things. There are venues for stories out there. It’s just a matter of figuring out how not to starve, while keeping your hardware up to date. If that works for you, go for it.

Vice is a very interesting publication. I regularly do peruse over their content. Saw on the news today a major newspaper company in Australia sacked 80 journos. Maybe I’ll just do public relations lol.

Staff work is likely to grow ever harder to get, though that’s been happening for years. Journalism is really just telling stories. Look around at those who are succeeding, and study how they do it. Look closely at popular magazines and web venues and try to understand how they attract the public’s interest. Learn how pitch projects to them, and find ways to use your skills to pay the rent when you need to. I’ve been trying to put together a project on SE Asian history, but my last paying gig was a black and white, large format (4×5 inch) film retro style group shot for a fashion industry association. Will that get my Asian project made? No. But at least I don’t have to get a “real” job. Good luck.